Nigeria's Aviation Sector Soars and Stumbles: MMIA, Air Peace, and Safety in 2025

The year 2025 proved to be a period of significant contrasts for Nigeria's air transport sector. It was marked by major infrastructure investment and international expansion, but also by intense public scrutiny over safety and passenger conduct. The industry experienced both high-profile successes and concerning operational challenges.

Major Infrastructure and Global Reach

One of the loudest issues was the N712 billion renovation of the Old Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the massive rehabilitation project in July 2025. This overhaul, the first since 1979, was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The 22-month project is funded entirely through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, defended the cost against critics who favored a concession model.

In a major win for international connectivity, Air Peace secured a prized landing slot at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). This followed months of diplomatic tension and negotiation. The Nigerian carrier commenced direct flights from Abuja to the prestigious airport on October 26, 2025. Minister Keyamo was credited with assisting in the diplomatic breakthrough.

Nigeria also strengthened its global ties by signing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil in August 2025. This agreement establishes a framework for direct air connectivity. The goal is to open fresh avenues for trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations.

Safety, Regulation, and Passenger Discipline

Safety concerns rose following two notable incidents. In January 2025, a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 (Flight UA613) from Lagos to Washington D.C. made an emergency return to MMIA. The aircraft experienced technical issues and sharp descents over Ivory Coast airspace. Four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. Separately, a Skypower Express Cessna 172 crashed on approach at Owerri Airport in December. All four occupants survived the accident. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is investigating both events.

The year also saw a surge in unruly passenger behavior incidents. Cases involving Ibom Air and a VuleJet flight drew national attention. In response, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a new directive. It mandated that all mobile phones and portable electronic devices must be switched off during critical phases of flight. Simply switching to flight mode is no longer permitted.

Controversy erupted over an allegation of pilot substance abuse made by Senator Orji Kalu in October. The NCAA and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) strongly refuted the broad claim. However, an NSIB report from September 2025 revealed an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot tested positive for alcohol and other substances following a runway excursion. This finding underscored the need for rigorous drug and alcohol testing protocols.

Economic and Commercial Pressures

Domestic air travel faced a severe crisis due to a sharp airfare surge during the Yuletide season. One-way tickets on some routes reached as high as N650,000. The Senate summoned Minister Keyamo and airline operators for questioning over the price hike. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) defended the fares, citing high operating costs and multiple taxes.

New taxes further impacted the industry's financial landscape. The NCAA introduced an additional US$11.5 security levy on international tickets, effective December 1, 2025. This Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) charge was condemned by stakeholders. Meanwhile, the trend of state-owned carriers grew with the July 7 launch of Enugu Air. The new airline is operating through a partnership with XEJet pending its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) acquisition.

• Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:
• Infrastructure: The MMIA renovation signals a major government investment in aging airport facilities.
• Connectivity: Air Peace’s LHR slot and the Brazil BASA expand international market access.
• Regulation: New NCAA rules on mobile devices and security levies increase operational compliance and passenger costs.
• Safety: Pilot substance abuse concerns and emergency landings highlight ongoing safety oversight needs.

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